We usually go over to my parents on Sunday to watch the Amazing Race. Today being the final episode and also Mothers Day, I put together some appetizers for the occasion.
First, some chili spiced almonds. This recipe was found on some random recipe application I have on my iPhone.
2cups almonds
2tbsp vegetable oil
1 1/2tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
some freshly ground black pepper
Heat the oil in a pan on the stove. Add the pepper flakes and black pepper. Stir for a minute or so. Add the almonds and stir for about 8 minutes until the skin starts to darken and it starts to smell REALLY good. Let them cool before you try to sample them!
Next, just some cucumber rounds I put together with some things we had in the fridge. I peeled a cucumber and cut it into slices. Topped them with a dot of low fat veggie cream cheese. Half of them have a shrimp and dill, the other half - sundried tomatoes and matchstick carrots with paprika. Super easy to make and you could use so many different toppings. Artichoke hearts, smoked salmon, cheese... endless!
Finally, the olive penguins! This recipe was from Jason's cousin who got it from an aunt who got it out of a magazine. I only saw pictures of these little guys and did my best to recreate them. The feet and beak are carrots of course and I put a little line down their middles with cream cheese. The easiest way to do this was to let it soften a bit and then put some in a ziplock bag with the tip cut off. My guys look a little messy... I could have been more careful I suppose but I was worried the olives were drying out! You could also cut the tips off the toothpicks since they do get a little discolored when they're poked through the olive. I left them on because it's easier to pick one up.
MY REVIEW: These all turned out pretty well. I really like making artistic little things like this. I find it relaxing almost... or maybe hypnotizing is a better word. I'm glad they were enjoyed by all.
JASON'S REVIEW: I really liked the penguins because they were cute and they tasted like my favorite food *olives. (You don't say!)
*Jason's favorite food is actually lasagna
What an outstanding array of appetizers! Those little pemguins all lined up on the plate were picture perfect, a real show stopper and so tasty. The roasted almonds had a dark, rich flavour with a little kick, addictive! I will make the almonds but I think I will rely on Laurel for the penguins. The cucumber rounds were fresh tasting and I love shrimp so they were a real treat. Laurel also made a lemon chiffon pie which was tart and delicious and the lemon flavor was true, not the artificial flavor that is often found in anything store bought. All in all it was a treat beyond description, a feast for the taste buds as well as the eyes, as usual the attention to detail was over the top. Thank you for making my day so perfect! Mom
ReplyDeleteOh those are fun. I should try making those penguins! -Kate
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